Our annual Winter Carnival includes  fireworks and fun at Schweitzer, live music all over town, parties galore plus other traditional faves including the Parade of Lights and the K9 Keg Pull.

Schedule of Events

February 16, 2024

Parade of lights!
The kickoff to the 51st year of the annual Winter Carnival, this just-for-fun parade of lights moves through downtown Sandpoint with a small but (ahem) select group of floats by local groups and businesses. Parade starts at 5:30 p.m., proceeding from the city parking lot at Church and Second, to First Avenue and then return via Cedar Street. Afterwards, wander the downtown to enjoy libations, with live music in many locales, and fine dining at Sandpoint's terrific restaurants. Sponsored by Ting.

The Great Winter Carnival Chili Cookoff
Sandpoint Winter Carnival Chili CookoffThe Winter Carnival Chili Cookoff is back for the second year in a row! If you're a lover of homemade chili, or have your own mouth-watering recipe, come take part. Hosted by Pierce Auto Center, tasting begins a bit after 3 p.m. and will be well under way by 4 p.m. Everyone is a judge, so come sample all the fine chili and vote on your favorites, plus get your name in the hat for door prizes. Tasting ends by 5 p.m., with winners declared and awarded soon after. First-place wins the coveted Golden Ladle prize of $200; second place garners $100, and third is $50. For all you chili chefs: Everyone is welcome to enter. Just bring in your entry between 2-3 p.m. It's all happening at Pierce Auto Center, 30 Gun Club Road, Sagle; phone (208) 263-4212.

Live Music With Paper Flowers at The Hive
Enjoy this Winter Carnival kickoff event at The Hive in downtown Sandpoint, from 7-11 p.m., with the Paper Flowers Remembering Fleetwood Mac concert, featuring the infamous and influential music of Fleetwood Mac's heyday. This multi-media show will transport you through time to experience Fleetwood Mac's most iconic hits of the '70s and '80s, including a selection of other associated tracks. Get tickets at EventBrite, or click to the LiveFromTheHive.

Schweitzer
Schweitzer kicks off Winter Carnival with a variety of happenings:

11:30-7pm - Tubing
3p-7pm - Twilight Skiing
4:30-6:30pm - Starlight Race Series, Party In Taps
4:30p-5:30pm - Yin Yoga In Cambium
5:30p-8pm - Kids Night Out

February 17, 2024

Schweitzer Events
It's President's Day weekend with a host of happenings on the hill, including:

All day-Snow bar featuring radio brewery, grand teton and no-li
9:30-10:30am - Vinyasa Yoga In Cambium
10a-2pm - Nastar
10a-12pm - Hosted Summit Snowshoe Hike
11:30a-7pm - Tubing
1p-2pm - Kids Craft
3-4pm - Village Campfire and Treat Roasting
3p-7pm - Twilight Skiing
4-6p and 7-9pm - Music In Taps By Adrian Xavier
5:30p-8pm - Kids Night Out

Murder Mystery Dinner at Talus Rock
Enjoy an evening of intrigue and mystery solving a Hollywood Awards Show After-party murder at the Talus Rock Retreat. You'll be assigned a character in advance so that you can come dressed for the part. Includes a five-course gourmet dinner and variety of prizes. The event is limited to 20 guests, so register early! More info at TalusRockRetreat.com.

Peggy Reich Piano Recital at Music Conservatory
Enjoy a piano recital with an esteemed visiting artist at the Music Conservatory of Sandpoint, 110 Main St. from 7-9 p.m. For the pianists in your party, the following day, Feb. 18 from 2-4 p.m., Peggy Reich is offering a piano workshop. See more at SandpointConservatory.org.

Sleigh Ride, Dinner and Concert at Western Pleasure
Join the folks Western Pleasure Guest Ranch for this entertaining evening, which includes a horse-drawn sleigh ride through tall pines on the ranch property; upon returning to the lodge you will enjoy a fine ranch-style meal with all the fixin's, followed by live music.  Sleigh rides can be scheduled at 5:00 or 6:00 pm and dinner will be served at 6:30 pm. This one will likely sell out, so make reservations soon by calling (208) 263-9066. WesternPleasureRanch.com.

February 18, 2024

Schweitzer
The Winter Carnival action moves up on the mountain. Schweitzer joins with Coca Cola for a celebratory President's Weekend highlighted a glow parade and fireworks show!

All day- Snow bar featuring radio brewery, grand teton, and no-li
10a-12pm - Hosted Hermits Hollow Hike
10a-2pm - Nastar
11:30a-7pm -Tubing  
1p-2pm - Kids Craft
3p-7pm - Twilight Skiing
5-6pm - Village Campfire and Treat Roasting
4-6p and 7-9pm - Music In Taps By Snacks At Midnight
6pm - Coca cola's "let it glow!" Night parade and fireworks!

February 19, 2024

Schweitzer
The Carnival fun continues on the mountain

10a-12pm - Nastar
10a-12pm - Hosted Summit Snowshoe Hike
11:30a-4pm - Tubing
1p-2pm - Kids Craft

February 20, 2024

Schweitzer
After that packed first weekend of Winter Carnival fun, maybe it's time to get centered on the mountain.

9:30a-10:30am - Flow Yoga In Cambium

February 21, 2024

Schweitzer
Make it a day full of skiing and snowboarding at Schweitzer … where midweek lift lines are practically nonexistant.

February 22, 2024

Schweitzer
There's fun to be had on the hill.

9a-9:30am - Meditation in cambium
11:30a-4pm - Tubing
4:30p-5:30pm - Flow Yoga In Cambium

February 23, 2024

Schweitzer
Tubing and night skiing are among the haps on the hill as Winter Carnival enters its concluding weekend.

3p-7pm - Night Skiing
11:30p-7pm - Tubing
4:30-6:30pm - Starlight Race Series, Party In Taps
4:30p-5:30pm - Yin Yoga In Cambium
5p-6p and 8p-10pm - Music In Taps By Ben And The Buds

February 24, 2024

Schweitzer
There's no shortage of fun activities on the mountain

9:30-10:30am - Vinyasa Yoga In Cambium
10a-2pm - Nastar
11:30a-7pm - Tubing
1p-2pm - Kids Craft
3p-4pm - Village Campfire
3p-7pm - Twilight Skiing
3p-7pm - Hosted Moonlight Snowshoe Hike
5:30p-8pm - Kids Night Out
4p-7pm - Music In Taps By Fine Line

February 25, 2024

Eichardt's K9 Keg Pull

It's the final, and a favorite event of the Winter Carnival week! Dogs and their owners race down a snowy course on Cedar Street in front of Eichardt's Pub. Dogs pull kegs appropriate to their size - for a St. Bernard, that's a full-size keg, but for a chihuahua it's a beer can - as they race the clock for best time and prizes. The day is a fundraiser for the Better Together Animal Alliance pet shelter. Registration starts at 10:15 a.m. with races beginning at 11 a.m. It's a heart-warming event that draws a cheery crowd, so come enjoy the fun out in the street in front of Eichardt's.

Schweitzer
Schweitzer wraps up its Winter Carnival week with special events.

10a-12pm - Hosted Hermits Hollow Hike
10a-12pm - Nastar
11:30a-4:00pm - Tubing
1p-2pm - Kids Craft

Date:
February 16-25, 2024

Location:
Various Venues in Sandpoint, ID 83864

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